View Full Version : Serious case of the fall "mehs" -- anyone else?
I've been feeling really off the past few days. Nothing seems interesting or worth spending time on. Probably partly related to fall coming around -- winter is always a rough season for me -- but this is a bit worse than normal. Other things I can attribute it to, at least partly:
1) I have fallen off the wagon with both food and exercise. I strained my calf muscle pretty badly about 3 weeks ago, and needed to let that heal. Also have strayed from low carbing pretty significantly, and the pounds have started to come back. So feeling unhappy overall about that. I did get back to the gym today, and resumed weights as well as getting back on the treadmill. Plan to start looking up some good lowcarb recipes I can make for both breakfasts and lunches. So hopefully I can stop the slide there and get back on track.
2) We hit a significant financial milestone a couple of weeks ago (major target numbers hit in both net worth and investible assets), and I have been crunching numbers to try to see what impact selling our apartment would have on our FIRE date (answer -- HUGE, we could probably do pull the plug now if one or both of us was willing to keep working part time for awhile until expenses settled out, and probably will hit a comfortable full time retirement nestegg in the next 3-5 years). Ironically, instead of making me feel excited and motivated, I seem to be in rather a funk about the whole thing. Part of me wants to just chuck it all in and retire NOW. But that probably isn't prudent. doesn't help that things seem to have more or less stagnated at work and I don't see a whole lot of growth potential in the main program I work on, which we had been trying to grow for over a year. I did get a decent raise (just over 7%), and a smaller than usual bonus, which was nice. But even that didn't make me as happy as it should, which also bothers me.
3) I'd been doign a good job with setting annual goals in a lot of key areas that are important to me and tracking them, but combined with the slacking on the weight/exercise thing I seem to have just lost all motivation on that front as well.
Blah. Not fun. I haven't been taking my multivitamin, which I should restart, and I need to get better sleep. Probably doesn't help that I just had a long vacation for the local holiday that I more or less wasted.
Yuck, yuck, yuck. Hope I can turn this around soon. Any other suggestions for getting my mojo back? If I am feeling this bad in early October I am going to be a MESS by February....
lhamo
lhamo, sorry to hear that you are having a case of the "mehs" -- especially when you know, intellectually, that you have had some good things happening. There are two strategies from positive psychology that I like to use when I get in a funk similar to what you are describing. One is to practice gratitude on a daily basis, whether in the form of a gratitude journal, a gratitude portfolio, or just thinking about something you are grateful for that day. The other is the act of savoring. Taking the time to really focus on a coming positive event and anticipating how wonderful the event will be, then during the event making sure to really enjoy the moment and free yourself from distracting thoughts, and afterwards reflecting upon how wonderful the event was. It can also be helpful to talk about and share how you felt with someone else who will appreciate how the moment made you feel.
If you (or anyone else for that matter) wants more info or details about using positive psychology strategies/interventions I can give more details and examples and even direct you to the research surrounding these strategies.
:)
How about doing something really different? How about a trip to Spain? See something new and exciting?
Not yet, but I am kinda dreading it myself. Have you tried taking some vitamin D? The gratitude journal is great and helps to remind you of all the good. I also found that if I set some goals like learning how to bake new things, a new project, or setting some "me" time to indulge in fun stuff usually helps for a little while.
sweetana3
10-8-12, 12:05pm
I love the gratitude idea.
With a child, the future for them is so important. Is there something you can do for or with him to excite both of you?
I have found a couple of books that I enjoy. One is City of Joy by Dominicque Lapierre. It is a deep book about the poor in Calcutta. Some find it depressing but I found the family portrayed so uplifting and full of love for their family that it made the whole book worthwhile. How about a biography of Mother Theresa? I am just starting one and want to learn more about her early years. She saw so much to do in her life.
I think most of us have these feelings at some point. I usually do when between projects and cannot decide on what I want to do or am stuck for ideas. It does go away.
Winter is where it gets hard for me, but fall is certainly bittersweet. Maybe that's why autumn comes with crisp air, incredible colors, warm clothes, comfort food and a quality of light that happens at no other time of year. I just figure we can't stop the seasons so might as well make the most of them.
...
I have found a couple of books that I enjoy. One is City of Joy by Dominicque Lapierre. It is a deep book about the poor in Calcutta. Some find it depressing but I found the family portrayed so uplifting and full of love for their family that it made the whole book worthwhile. ...
I loved City of Joy. I've read it more than once. It reads like non-fiction, which is high praise in my world.
This is a time of year when SAD sets in for many. More light helps some, more movement others.
Or maybe it's "Is that all there is?" syndrome, made famous by Peggy Lee. Another favorite.
Sounds like some inertia that has just built upon itself: You slowed down on the exercise front, on the vigilant diet front, and on the work activity front ("wasted" time off--can you see it perhaps as a needed "chill-out" time rather than thinking about things you could have/should have done?).
You sound like a real do-er, so I suspect that once the gears start turning again, your mental attitude is going to shift.
BTW, congrats on being on the last mile of being able to retire relatively soon!!! You're really doing great!
Me, too. I need to remember to re-start the vitamin D.
We went from 80 and sunny, perfect early fall weather to 40/50, strong breeze, and generally bracing weather. It's difficult to adjust.
I agree, partly. I love Fall and am so glad that that hellish summer is finally over.
On the other hand, I'm very unhappy in my job right now. So much stupid jumping through hoops, pointless crap to prove that we're actually teaching. It's exhausting, dehumanizing and demoralizing. I will get over it.
I've got the "Mehs" too. I love fall and feel ripped off that I'm spending most of it laying around with my leg elevated. It'll be healed just in time to slip on the ice.
Pretty much spent today trying to hold back the tears from feeling so sorry for myself.
I'm trying to work a little this week and must say it is harder than I thought it would be - having my foot down leaves me with pins and needles, swelling, and pain.
I am able to get out most fall and winters days for a walk and it really helps a lot. I was talking to a fellow from San Diego who had just moved to my area and he said how excited he was for the change of seasons. And how tired he got of the just about the same weather each day. I would like to try that climate some day, but consider winter a good time to regenerate and rest. I like to make a project list for winter projects to keep busy and get out maps to plan warm weather trips and vacations.
Our summer was so hot that it just sort of wore me out. So I sort of have the fall mehs, too.
My "mehs", come and go in waves. Like yourself, Lhamo, my mojo up and ran away a while ago (usually does each fall, even though Autumn and Spring, are my two favourite seasons), so I, too, am already thinking about what my state will be come January/February.
Thanks for the feedback and the cheerleading, everybody. Helped a lot, as did getting off my growing behind and getting back to the gym. I'm working back into my running and weight routines slowly, as I don't want to injure myself again, but already seeing progress and feeling better. Just took my vitamins and am going to try to get to sleep earlier tonight -- up at 4:30 tomorrow to get the bus at 5:30 YAWN! Sun isn't rising until roughly 6:30, so that is a big part of my issue as well. May look into getting a SAD light.
lhamo
I truly believe we're supposed to slow down in winter. Just be patient with yourself. Maybe try not to fight it so much. Definitely try to get outside more. Supposedly, even being outside on a cloudy day is really good for you. Be sure your vitamin D3 level is being kept up.
Try to accept your blaws a little more.....
Originally posted by Lhamo.
getting off my growing behindYours, too? LOL! So happy to know my behind isn't the only one...
goldensmom
10-10-12, 10:26am
Summer drains me of energy with the heat and all that I have to do but I am rejuvenated by fall’s crisp, cool weather, decreased chores and the spectacular colors. I’ve been walking an hour each morning since the early morning temperatures’ are between 30-40F. Walking, deep breathing and watching the sun come up gives me a feeling that I wish I could bottle and drink of all year long. The short daylight hours of winter is my bane.
katieb12
10-10-12, 10:36am
Thanks for the feedback and the cheerleading, everybody. Helped a lot, as did getting off my growing behind and getting back to the gym. I'm working back into my running and weight routines slowly, as I don't want to injure myself again, but already seeing progress and feeling better. Just took my vitamins and am going to try to get to sleep earlier tonight -- up at 4:30 tomorrow to get the bus at 5:30 YAWN! Sun isn't rising until roughly 6:30, so that is a big part of my issue as well. May look into getting a SAD light.
lhamo
I can identify, lhamo. And I have also been talking about getting a SAD light. I think this is the year. Hang in there, and let's both use some of these great suggestions.
Summer drains me of energy with the heat and all that I have to do but I am rejuvenated by fall’s crisp, cool weather, decreased chores and the spectacular colors. I’ve been walking an hour each morning since the early morning temperatures’ are between 30-40F. Walking, deep breathing and watching the sun come up gives me a feeling that I wish I could bottle and drink of all year long. The short daylight hours of winter is my bane.
This is me too. I sometimes feel like a vampire in summer (espcecially if I am in very hot and sunny SoCal) who cringes away from the light for fear of burning up! the heat and endless sunlight (and the summer crowds everywhere) really bring me down and depress me. But come fall and winter I am rejuvenated. Can't wait to get back up into the mountains for some snow and cold weather. But I can see how Ihamo - anyone really - who is working all day in winter can get down. Dark and cold when you leave in the morning and dark and cold when you come home at night. It could pretty much sap your motivation completely. I don't have any recommendations but maybe the SAD light would work. Or maybe just getting out after work for a long night walk and star gazing session. Nothing too hardcore but just a time to move your body and enjoy the quiet cold night air and star gaze. Then come home for a snuggle with the hubby and son! Oh and a hot toddy helps too :-)!
ApatheticNoMore
10-11-12, 3:04pm
I truly believe we're supposed to slow down in winter.
Yea I think so, it often makes me seriously tired (the lack of light), and yea it's dark when I get off work (never even mind when I actually get home). I am glad we are done with the heat though, I had quite enough of those 105 degree days thanks.
Yea I think so, it often makes me seriously tired (the lack of light), and yea it's dark when I get off work (never even mind when I actually get home). I am glad we are done with the heat though, I had quite enough of those 105 degree days thanks.
Well I heard it's going to be in around 90 starting this weekend in LA - hotter further inland so it's not over yet! And lets not forget the dreaded Santa Ana winds - UGH - I hate those with a passion. I'll be outta here by then myself so won't "sweat it" too much :-)! Love it here today though - some rain & some cool temps. Too bad it doesn't last.
I've got the "Mehs" too. I love fall and feel ripped off that I'm spending most of it laying around with my leg elevated. It'll be healed just in time to slip on the ice.
Pretty much spent today trying to hold back the tears from feeling so sorry for myself.
I'm trying to work a little this week and must say it is harder than I thought it would be - having my foot down leaves me with pins and needles, swelling, and pain.
Sorry to hear about your leg (just read that you broke it awhile back).mMust be tough not only to deal with the pain, but the physical limitaions as I know you are a very active person. Hope it heals soon and is better then ever !
Feeling a little fall ugh too. In some ways fall is a little exciting because I feel more like baking and don't have to worry so much about yard work beyond raking. OTOH, the fading light and chilly mornings are blechy, and we are getting a little of the worst of both worlds right now with *still* having wildfires/smoke but also the dark, chilly weather. It's definitely more difficult to get up in the mornings-I've skipped a couple of runs because it was cold and dark. If you're able to go to the gym, definitely try to do that more. What helps me in that regard is splurging a tiny bit on some new music (or if audiobooks are your thing, that works). It's not much $ and something to help get you motivated to get up when the alarm goes off. I also have a swim group I go with, so I know I'll get people asking why I skipped if I didn't go, and that's just enough to get me over the hump of actually going sometimes. Good luck. Exercise is hard to start but has so many great effects, it's worth doing a few little things to help yourself get in/stay in the habit, esp healing from an injury.
If you can possibly, possibly take 10 min each lunchtime or whenever and do a short walk outside to get sunlight and a little more gentle exercise it will be worth it as well. I am guilty of working through lunch or getting on the internet or some such, and I too need to take my own advice. I work in a basement so no natural light and as the days get short I think I am going to need it!
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